TOKYO, Japan, December 4, 2008 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will begin sales in Japan December 5, 2008, of the all-new Accord and Accord Tourer* models, which feature charismatic styling, exceptional driving performance and advanced safety features such as side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard equipment on all model types.

Since the introduction of the first-generation Accord in 1976, Honda has continued to evolve this model in consistency with the concept of "harmony between people and the automobile" and by studying the fundamental nature of automobiles using Honda's original ideas and technologies to continue offering products that create new value for customers around the world. In developing this eighth-generation Accord, which was created with a focus on "advanced quality," Honda took an uncompromising approach looking at both the essence and details of each area of performance and functionality to dramatically improve the quality of the entire vehicle.

* The Accord Tourer was named for its ability to support an active lifestyle, delivering the highest levels of quality and comfort for interurban, freeway wagon touring.

＜Style＞
■ The wedge shape and wide stance of the Accord suggest the model's stable, responsive handling.
■ The flowing design and sculpted hatchback area of the Accord Tourer communicate the model's exceptional drivability.

＜Driving Performance＞
■ The 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine achieves both powerful engine performance for dynamic driving and superior environmental performance.
■ The 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters brings out the dynamic qualities of the engine and expands the fun of driving.
■ Noise is thoroughly suppressed to achieve superior quietness and comfort.

＜Safety and Environmental Performance＞
■ Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) works in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to provide steering assistance for more stable vehicle control.
■ Six airbags, including side curtain airbags, are standard equipment on all model types for exceptional safety performance.
■ All model types are certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having emissions levels 75% lower than what is required by 2005 standard.

Accord (24TL)

Accord Tourer (24TL)

Monthly sales target (Japan): 1,000 units (series total)

Key features of the all-new Accord and Accord Tourer

Exterior design

The Accord series has an exterior design that unites the beauty of form and function to express the Accord's advanced driving performance.

In the Accord, the low front nose and close-clipped rear deck complement the powerful wedge shape, while contrasting areas on the sides form strong character lines that convey a sense of speed.

In the Accord Tourer, the shortened roof and boldly slanted rear window offer a sporty proportion. The sculpted panels of the hatchback area support exceptional capacity and ease of loading while further emphasizing sportiness.

The exciting and newly added SPORTS STYLE model type includes a black chrome-plated front grill, a front chin spoiler and other design elements that emphasize the excitement of Accord driving.

Seven body colors are available, including two new colors.

Interior design

The interior design and materials of the Accord series provide an authentic quality and meticulous attention to detail for exceptional refinement and comfort.

The instrument panel with a powder slush-molded surface features a high-density dimpled pattern and soft texture for a high-quality look and feel.

Newly developed meters with centripetally oriented needles offer ease of reading and an advanced appearance.

Sculpted metallic panels boldly extending from the ends of the instrument panel to the doors help create luxurious personal space for the front seat occupants.

In every detail, the interior displays a finish of the highest quality: gaps between different materials have been minimized thanks to high-precision construction, every door features door end garnishes identical in color to the interior, and the inner surfaces of the glove compartment and every storage area have a premium texture.

Packaging

In addition to improving vehicle performance, the wider body offers increased interior space, including enhanced personal space for the front-seat occupants. Increased shoulder and knee space and a wider front armrest also contribute to spaciousness and comfort typically associated with vehicles one class higher.

The driver's seat features enhanced adjustability and ease-of-operation for an even more comfortable driving position.

The driver's seat is designed to hold the driver snugly and comfortably while cornering for more relaxed steering and a feeling of oneness with the car.

The Accord Tourer features a flat, square luggage space that combines refinement with exceptional capacity and ease of loading.

The high-rigidity body which supports a wide range of performance characteristics at a high level, was achieved through the introduction of new single-side spot welding equipment and processes developed especially for the Accord series.

An exceptionally strong vehicle frame was achieved through a continuous closed cross-section structure for the pillars and the roof cross member, as well as an inner frame structure for the front floor.

The new front pillar structure affords an excellent field of view while contributing to the powerful exterior design.

Noise, vibration and harshness are thoroughly suppressed to achieve superior quietness and comfort.

Advanced features

Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) works in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to provide steering assistance for more stable vehicle control as standard equipment on all model types.

The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body provides enhanced self-protection and compatibility with other vehicles in case of a collision.

The body design incorporates pedestrian-injury mitigation technology to help protect pedestrians from head, leg and other injuries in case of a collision.

Six airbags, including side curtain airbags, are standard equipment on all model types.

CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) and E-pretensioners (front seats) are available on certain model types. CMBS determines if there is potential risk of a frontal collision and assists the driver, further functioning to help mitigate injuries and vehicle damage in the event of a collision.

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which enhances the stability of the vehicle during cornering and sudden collision avoidance maneuvers, is standard equipment on all model types.

The Active Head Rest System in the front seats helps enhance neck protection in a rear collision and is standard equipment on all model types.

Environmental performance

All front-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%. All 4-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%.